Top Handle Saw on the Ground

[Heads up]

very regularly

[tommer9]

taking the tops off fenceposts

 

An inexcusable practise......

[Lyndon]

I have been guilty of all of the above including taking the tops off fence posts untill I met a contractor who had a scar as thick as a finger running down from his eye to his throat and he was a very lucky one and glad to be alive. Since then i have stoped using one on the ground totally as like most of us have already said he was only doing one cut on the ground and then the next thing he knew it was in his face..... not a good look!

 

Stay safe people! just because you have been doing it for years and it hasn't happned yet it dosen't mean it wont happen!

[scottythepinetree]

I am not saying anything, just pointing out what I think are the HSE's reasons for their stance.

 

FTR, I use an 020 on the ground most days, often one handed, but I am self employed and have my own Co, so I'm responsible for my own actions and any repercussions would be on my own head.

 

If I had employees using saws I would not want them using an 020 on the floor.

 

Thanks for the response. Wasn't having a cheeky pop. Does make sense in a practical sort of way. And as much as I hope the HSE don't take it any further, by there reasoning, it would seem to make sense that the only allow top handled saws be used in trees when it is necessary.

 

Here's hoping they don't realise it.

[tomtrees]

Thanks for the response. Wasn't having a cheeky pop. Does make sense in a practical sort of way. And as much as I hope the HSE don't take it any further, by there reasoning, it would seem to make sense that the only allow top handled saws be used in trees when it is necessary.

 

Here's hoping they don't realise it.

 

I am sure HSE will be happy to hang an other mill stone around the neck of this industry:thumbdown:. I already dont think that the ordinary self respecting tree surgeon can respect all the regs and stay competative. Which is why there are some many small companies that slip under the radar.

[Bolt]

I am sure HSE will be happy to hang an other mill stone around the neck of this industry:thumbdown:. I already dont think that the ordinary self respecting tree surgeon can respect all the regs and stay competative. Which is why there are some many small companies that slip under the radar.

 

Another mill stone?

 

What are all these HSE mill stones you talk of? Can you do us a list (just for grins )

[tomtrees]

Well here is one ! actually it is an eu wide reg. If access, a platform must be used. try doing a quote and explanning to the customer why you are twice the price of a decent climber.

[Bolt]

The European Council Directive 2001/45/EC led to the UK "work at height regulations 2005".

 

This requires work at height to be planned, and it requires this planning to include the most suitable equipment.

 

As long as you can demonstrate that roped access is most suitable, the HSE are happy.

 

The HSE spent a lot of time consulting with the industry, and I was part of this consultation process for my sins.

 

They accept that to crown thin, deadwood or heduce the height of a crown, a MEWP is not ideal. Thay also (as part of the same same regulation) accept that accessing a tree with two seperate ropes, and two seperate and independant anchor points is totally impractable.

 

I have never heard of a prosecution / improvement notice / prohibition notice because someond didn't use a MEWP, but used roped access instead.

 

They do require that two attachment points are used when working (ie sawing) (which is reasonable) and they require that there is an effective method of rescue on site (which is a no brainer really). I have heard of improvement notices and prohibition notices issued following these.

 

All in all, I personally think the HSE has a fairly good approach to the EU temporary work at height directive.

[tomtrees]

So you are saying that its ok to climb when a mobile platform can be used and or employ someone to do so?

[Bolt]

Short answer - Yes (and hundreds do every day without the HSE shafting them) :-)